Reflections on being an International Music Therapy Student in the United States of America5/28/2026 "Do you know what a foreign accent is? It’s a sign of bravery."
— Amy Chua When I received a generous scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music I did not know what Music Therapy was. I originally planned to do one year at Berklee, and then go back home. Even though I didn’t have to pay for tuition, the cost of living in Boston was immense compared to my hometown Köln, and the options for employment were limited for F-1 visa holders like me. After my first semester I realized that I had to stay. While Berklee has many flaws, one thing it does well is bring international students together. I connected to people from all over the world, who had a similar drive to make a difference in their environment. I learned that I had no idea how big, diverse, and culturally rich the world truly was. I got the chance to play Brazilian music with people from Brazil, and Jazz with people whose recordings I have admired forever. While all that happened I discovered Music Therapy and everything came together. I could use the years of music knowledge and performance experience to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. I did the math and figured out that If I worked 20 hours a week (the maximum a student on an F-1 visa is allowed to do), tested out of as many required courses as possible, and taking liberal arts credits as CLEP exams to transfer, I could deal with the financial burden that was completing the remaining six semesters of coursework. As many of you might know, finishing the coursework is only part of what it takes to become a board-certified music therapist in the US. After completing the academic requirements, AMTA requires 1200 hours of clinical training, which I am going to realize through a 1040 hour internship. The Internship Problem While doing my internship, I am on an F-1 student visa with the “employment benefit” CPT (Curricular Practical Training). Under (CPT), I am not permitted to hold employment or earn income outside of my internship placement. This means that for the duration of my internship - in my case, nine months in New York City - my only options for supporting myself are personal savings, grants, family support, or a stipend from the internship site. Most internships don’t offer stipends. The ones that do mostly offer amounts too low to cover living expenses, let alone transportation that is needed in most cities in the USA. My American classmates, if they need to, can pick up part-time work. They can teach, work a service job, or play gigs. I cannot. And yet I pay rent, health insurance, and taxes like everyone else. The financial burden of completing this required, unpaid training falls entirely on me and my family - and for students who don’t have family savings to draw on, it means debt. Since international students don’t qualify for federal financial aid, there is a high chance that they are required to take on private debt with unfavorable interest rates. This is not a personal failing. It is a structural barrier that makes music therapy - which is already an expensive profession to enter - significantly more inaccessible to people from countries where families don’t typically save for years to pay for (American) graduate education. Given all of this, people sometimes ask me why I don’t just go back to Germany. I am building something here - a network, a clinical identity, a research direction - that I couldn’t build anywhere else right now. The other question I also encounter is why I choose an internship without a stipend? Truthfully, the assumption behind that question bothers me more than the question itself. It suggests that international students should make important career decisions based on what they can afford rather than where they can grow - giving the most choice to the people with the most financial cushion. I chose the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine because it is the best place for me to become the clinician I want to be, in the city I think I can grow the most in - as a clinician, musician, and human being who thrives in intercultural environments. The fact it doesn’t offer a stipend often is, but in my opinion shouldn’t be, the reason to not choose an internship. Maybe that is just How things are - but do they need to be? I was fortunate enough to leave Berklee for my internship without debt. Without a full tuition scholarship I wouldn’t be here. But tuition is only part of the cost of becoming a practicing music therapist in America, and the longer I pursue this dream, the more I feel the weight of what comes next. The Visa Labyrinth After completing my internship I am eligible to sit for the MTBC board exam. And I better pass it right when the internship ends, on my first try. This is due to the fact that after my internship, to keep my visa, I will have to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). The OPT begins immediately after CPT ends. With the OPT I am allowed to work any job that is directly related to my major. As a music therapy major that would be a job as a music therapist. So if I don’t pass the board exam right away I will not be able to work as a music therapist (in most states). New York itself makes this harder because most music therapy jobs require the LCAT certification. OPT is capped at one year. After that, I need an employer willing to sponsor an H-1B visa. H-1B sponsorship is expensive for employers, and currently has an annual cap of 85,000 visas, allocated via an electronic registration and lottery system. If I can’t secure an H-1B visa, my options narrow quickly. I could do graduate school, which would give me a student visa, another OPT after completion, and cost more money. This would give me better H-1B visa chances, and with a lot of luck also the option to apply for an EB-2 visa with a National Interest Waiver - which is designed for individuals whose work is deemed to be in the national interest of the United States. It is highly competitive, requires extensive documentation of contributions to the field, and takes years to process. Not much of a plan B. I am not sharing this to complain. I am sharing it because I think most people in our community don’t fully understand what international students (3.3% of MT students) are navigating beneath the surface of their academic performance. Why do I subject myself to this? I chose to stay in the United States and build my career here rather than return to Germany because of multiple reasons. Firstly, I am getting my degree here, connecting me with other MT students, professors, and professionals, giving me a network of future colleagues and employers. Secondly, Germany specifically lacks a professional practice law that defines and protects the scope of work. Additionally the variety of populations, settings, and research opportunities in the American music therapy landscape is genuinely extraordinary, and I want to learn from the amazing practitioners who built it, and keep building on their work myself. I also think that my experience as someone who was not born in this country, and who tries to build a career here is something that can resonate with clients. When I work with clients that have been resettled from another country, or work with families in the NICU that are navigating the US healthcare system in their second or third language, I have points of relatability. While many have it much harder, I have some kind of idea about finding your place in a system that doesn’t necessarily make room for you. I speak multiple languages, and I carry multiple cultural frameworks for what music means and what healing can look like. I have learned to accept uncertainty, to ask for help, and to keep going when the system makes it clear that it was not built for me. Music therapy will be stronger for having people in it bring a different point of view, a different relationship with music, and a different perspective on what it means to be a music therapist. I hope our field - its training programs, internship structures, and professional organizations - starts building with that in mind. To the international students out there. I hope you have the means to keep going and to realize what you can bring to the profession and to our clients. This country needs more of us. - Jan Portisch
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by Nazarene CampodonicoThe music therapy internship is one of the most rewarding, yet overwhelming experiences in a future music therapist’s training. Between the constant influx of new information, tight schedule, and therapeutic-identity searching, it is hard to take time for yourself. The constant feedback and improvement can make you feel hard on yourself, and WOW– there is not much time to eat.
If no one has told you today, you are not alone in this. Myself, and many other interns, have felt the same way. Though it shouldn’t be, the struggle feels like a rite of passage. I’ve been on the burnout bus more times than I’d like to count, but I’ve learned a lot about protecting my peace. From one almost-done intern to another, here is what I’ve learned about avoiding the “internship burnout.” 1. Take time to process. Just like our clients may need time to process things in-the-moment, you also need time to process things. Everyday is full of information to take in– there are so many observations to make and so much feedback to take in. Allow yourself a moment to digest it all. Whether this be in your car, office, an empty therapy room… you need time to absorb it all. 2. Set boundaries. One of the hardest aspects of an internship is discovering a work-life balance. It’s easy to bring documentation home or drive to your site on the weekends to get things done… but those habits become routine. It is important to set boundaries with your work and create opportunities where you are not just a therapist; you are a person. For example, I refuse to do anything internship-related at the end of my day. I go home and do things that bring me joy. This boundary allows me to recharge before the next day! 3. Meet your needs. Contrary to popular intern belief, we need to eat meals. We also need to drink water, and not just energy drinks. As a society, we tend to put a lot of shame on meeting our needs– it can be frowned upon to bring your lunch to a meeting, or squeeze a fidget toy in a session. While everyone is entitled to their opinions, you are a person first. You’re hungry? EAT! You’re anxious? STIM! As therapists, we cannot show up for our clients entirely if we are not showing up for ourselves. 4. Take a break from music. If you’re in this profession, you love music. You might also be tired of music. Two things can be true at once: as amazing as music is, sometimes you need silence. When you are singing Beatles songs all day, a quiet car ride is powerful. Silence can give us the space to process, regroup, and reorganize our nervous system. These are some tips that have helped me for the past five months of my internship. While I can’t guarantee that what works for me will work for everyone, it never hurts to try! Remember to ask for help and give yourself the kindness you deserve. You WILL be a wonderful music therapist one day. Reach out whenever! Nazarene Campodonico, AMTAS President Hello all, My name is Sherri Rajesh, and I am currently a music therapy intern at Brenner Children’s Hospital in Winston-Salem, NC! I have been loving it so far, and it is so wild to think that my last day is in less than a month! Internship has really flown by for me, so I will share a little about my experience here and what it is like to intern at a hospital that has a dedicated music therapy space! Sophie’s Place, the dedicated music therapy space here in the hospital, was created in honor of Sophie Barton, an outstanding and amazing volunteer at Primary Children’s Hospital in Utah! She was a creative force who loved music and volunteering to support patients. She passed away unexpectedly, and to honor her memory, her family created Sophie’s Place! We are one of 9 in the country and the only one on the East Coast! It has been such an honor to work in a place that honors not only Sophie, but all of the patients she was able to impact. Our space has a fully electric drum set, several guitars and ukuleles, a full-size keyboard, a recording studio, and a surround-sound speaker system! Our most notable feature is a pink guitar that is signed by Taylor Swift! Before my internship cycle started, my supervisor and her intern at the time helped host a Swifty Experience for our pediatric patients, and Taylor Swift sent the guitar to support Us! The most impactful lesson I learned as an intern was to learn to be flexible with my session plans! I am a particular person about planning and anticipating different outcomes / behaviors but the reality is that flexibility is the only thing I can know for sure will be a part of my sessions. For incoming interns, make sure to refine those verbal skills as much as possible! It's important to know how to create safe and therapeutic spaces for clients to share in, and you don't want to be stumbling over your words. Throughout this internship I got to work and collaborate with various members of a care team and different types of patients. My favorite internship experience was a "Camp" Day we put on for a long-term patient here! She had undergone an intense procedure and was missing the camp she would typically be attending, so we gathered up instruments and crafts and brought the camp magic to her! It was such a fun day and served as a reminder that music therapy is all-encompassing in regards to creative ways to support patients. Through this internship, I have been able to collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team, write songs, lead groups, work individually, and be a part of so many meaningful moments with patients and their families here at the hospital. I have learned so much about the power and healing that music brings, especially to such an unlikely place such as a hospital. If you are local to NC, I would encourage everyone to apply to this internship! You will gain valuable professional and musical skills, and learn so much about a multitude of people and their diagnoses. Thank you for letting me share some words! Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions about this specific internship or music therapy in a pediatric medical setting. My email is [email protected]. Peace + love, Sherri Music therapists work across diverse populations, including the LGBTQIA+ community, where affirming and inclusive care is vital. The Queer Music Therapy Model, introduced by Bain et al. (2016), offers a structured, identity-affirming approach to care that challenges the cissexist and heterosexist foundations of traditional therapeutic frameworks. This model recognizes the unique therapeutic needs of LGBTQIA+ individuals and supports clinicians in offering empowering care.
Originally developed for LGBTQ+ adolescents, the model encourages identity development and resilience through music rather than emphasizing vulnerability (Boggan et al., 2017). Interventions include musical autobiography assessments, gender-bending song parodies, critical lyric analysis, and group anthem writing. These techniques foster self-expression, community, and empowerment in therapeutic settings. Adult and older LGBTQIA+ populations, particularly those from intersectional backgrounds, often face barriers to affirming care. Research confirms that older LGBTQ+ adults of color are frequently excluded from advocacy and policy, facing ageism alongside racism and heterosexism (Christian et al., 2021). Approaches like Relational–Cultural Theory (RCT) and the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies (MSJCC) offer frameworks to support these clients through culturally responsive and justice-oriented care (Cole, 2021). Queer music therapy can also be strengthened by using works from LGBTQIA+ artists to affirm identities and foster connection. Songs like “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga and “Chosen Family” by Rina Sawayama become powerful tools for healing and identity affirmation. As the field evolves, the inclusion of affirming, intersectional, and research-driven practices like queer music therapy remains crucial. These practices not only foster resilience and connection but also challenge systems of oppression through the power of music. References Bain, C., Grzanka, P. R., & Crowe, B. (2016). Perspectives on queer music therapy: A qualitative analysis of music therapists’ reactions to radically inclusive practice. Journal of Music Therapy, 53(4), 375–404. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/thw010 Boggan, K. E., Grzanka, P. R., & Bain, C. L. (2017). The queer music therapy model: Empowering LGBTQ+ youth through musical identity. Voices: A World Forum for Music Therapy, 17(3). https://doi.org/10.15845/voices.v17i3.928 Christian, D., Osborne, J., & Samuels, D. (2021). Counseling older LGBTQ+ adults of color: Relational–cultural theory in practice. Journal of Counseling & Development, 99(3), 330–340. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcad.12378 Cole, R. (2021). Counseling LGBT military clients using the Multicultural and Social Justice Counseling Competencies framework. Journal of Military and Government Counseling, 9(1), 32–45. https://doi.org/10.1080/2326716X.2021.1945079 Johns Hopkins University. (2022). LGBTQ Glossary – Gender & Sexuality Resources. https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/lgbtq/glossary AAMFT Queer Affirmative Caucus. (2007). A companion to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer studies: Affirmative counseling techniques. American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. https://www.aamft.org/queeraffirmative Hi AMTAS community!
My name is Rebeca and I will be your secretary for 2025. I recently completed my course work at Appalachian State University, and am beginning my internship with Symponia Hospice in Decatur GA this summer. In addition to making music, I enjoy working out and journaling, especially as forms of self care. I’m so excited to serve you all this year, and work on sharing ideas through our AMTAS Blog! As music therapy continues to grow and expand as a field, we as students must also continue to explore new horizons and continue celebrating the little things which ultimately culminate to larger accomplishments. My hope for this year is to share advice, ideas, and accomplishments throughout our music therapy community. In addition to offering blog posts written by the members of our eBoard, I also look forward to sharing the experiences of students like you. Whether you have internship advice or have developed a new way of learning repertoire, we want to hear from you! If you’re interested in writing a blog post feel free to email me at [email protected] or you can DM us on Instagram at @_amtas_ . In the next few weeks we have various exciting events coming up including our Give Lively campaign and our AMTAS merch design competition. For more information on both of these events keep an eye on our Instagram and our website. From all of us here on the AMTAS eBoard, we appreciate all you do as students and members of the AMTAS community. We hope to continue serving you and providing you with resources to help you become the best music therapy student you can be! As the current President of the American Music Therapy Association for Students (AMTAS), I am beyond grateful to be part of such a significant movement driven by students passionate about music therapy. It all began with a small group of students and a newsletter aimed at fostering connections among music therapy programs across the nation. Today, this humble initiative has grown to include over 85 music therapy programs, all dedicated to enriching our community, educating students, and advancing the profession.
As we move into 2025, my goal is to continue strengthening these connectedness and promote a spirit of appreciation for the field of music therapy. I am truly excited for the year ahead and look forward to a time filled with learning opportunities, growth, and purpose. I want students to feel recognized and valued, as we are an integral part of this field. It all begins with each of us. I believe our values are rooted in kindness, strength, and empathy. I want to create an environment that is free of judgment, fostering growth and unity instead. We are brought together by our passion for music, and we will continue to strive for excellence and inspire future generations. Our organization from humble beginnings now relies on the initiatives of the students and the support of our professionals. On behalf of the upcoming 2025 AMTAS executive board, I want to express our gratitude in humility for trusting us to represent your voices, and I look forward to continuing advancing our music therapy field. I believe in you, so please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Karina Colon Fuentes AMTAS President, 2025 [email protected] As we gather for AMTAS Passages 2024, we invite you to join us for a day dedicated to the exploration and celebration of our shared passion for music therapy. AMTAS Passages event, Soulful Sounds, happening on October 26th from 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM (EST), is a virtual event crafted by students, for students. This is more than just an event—it's an opportunity to connect with one another, reflect on our journeys, and draw inspiration from the collective wisdom of our community.
We'll begin the day with "Sip & Socialize," a warm and inviting space where you can enjoy your morning beverage while engaging in meaningful conversations with fellow attendees. Whether you're a seasoned networker or just looking to connect, this session is designed to set the tone for a day of sitting with our community. It's a casual start to the morning that allows us to ease into Passages, fostering connections that will enrich the rest of our time together. Following our networking session, we are honored to present a keynote address by Chris Millet, MM, MT-BC. Chris will share insights and experiences that highlight the profound impact music therapy has on our personhood throughout many stages of our joining. From student, intern, professional, and seasoned professional, his words are sure to resonate deeply. Our student community is the heartbeat of AMTAS, and the event continues with a session dedicated to showcasing their incredible work. This segment of the day offers a platform for peers who are pushing the boundaries of music therapy through innovative research, personal stories, and new ideas. It’s a chance for us to support and learn from one another, and to witness the future leaders of our field as they share their visions. The Internship Fair offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse internship opportunities and connect with potential supervisors. Whether you're searching for your next placement or just curious about what’s out there, this session will provide valuable insights into the possibilities ahead. It's an essential step in our professional journey and this fair is designed to make that step as informative and engaging as possible. We'll close the event with a reflective session, celebrating the connections made and the knowledge shared throughout the day. This is a moment to look back on what we've experienced together and to consider how we can continue to inspire and support one another as we advance in our music therapy journeys. As we look back on the challenges of recent years, including the global pandemic, civil unrest, international conflicts, and the constraints placed on us by external forces, we recognize the resilience and strength of our community. In the face of adversity, we have held space for reflection, growth, and solidarity, honoring the past while steadfastly moving forward. In 2024, our focus remains unwaveringly on our student community. We are committed to serving them to the highest capacity possible, providing support, resources, and opportunities for growth. Our mission to promote, foster, and advance the education and training of our members is more important than ever as we navigate an ever-changing landscape. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in bringing "Soulful Sounds" to life. Your dedication and hard work are what make events like this possible. We personally invite each and every one of you to share your passion with us on October 26th. Let’s come together to connect, inspire, and be inspired as we celebrate our student community! Written by Sydney Winders, AMTAS President Are you a student who is looking for community and involvement in the AMTA universe? Do you want to learn more about relevant music therapy topics and connect with leaders in the student community? Feeling unsure about how you can access these resources and materials? Don’t worry, AMTAS has an amazing event that can help you reach your music therapy and personal goals.
This year AMTAS will be hosting our 2024 passages entitled “Soulful Sounds: Exploring our Passion for Music Therapy,” on October 19th and 26th. Our event is crafted by students and for students. The purpose of this program is to virtually connect, share, and celebrate our journeys within the music therapy community and field. “Soulful Sounds,” aims to highlight lived experiences and explore our passion for music therapy. Through various events and interactive sessions and student presentations such as an internship fair, virtual coffee fair, and inspiring keynote, AMTAS aims to foster a supportive community for students, interns, and professionals. “Soulful Sounds,” is also an opportunity to become involved and aware of the current AMTAS processes. We will have two student business meetings where attendees can vote on bylaws updates, new board members, and make their voice heard on important issues. Students should attend if they are looking for a supportive and open space to better understand and be involved in AMTAS. AMTAS encourages all music therapy students to attend “Soulful Sounds” to foster passion and equitable education in both their individual and communal spaces. If you are interested in attending “Soulful Sounds: Exploring our Passion for Music Therapy,” you can register by following our link tree on Instagram @_amtas_. In the meantime, students can follow our instagram to engage in community conversations, scholarship applications, takeovers, AMTAS Academies, Merch posts, and student spotlights. If you have any questions about “Soulful Sounds,” please feel free to email me @[email protected]! Written by Mercedes Shook Harmonizing with the New Semester: Building Confidence as a Music Therapy Student (AUgust 2024)8/4/2024 As a student beginning their last semester of college, I was thinking of my past years as a student. My first year I was filled with so much fear and uncertainty, and with this in mind, I thought I would like to discuss confidence while starting a semester. Here are some things I have learned along the way:
Tip #1: Little steps at a time I always thought that I had to take everything all at once to feel successful, but that is not the case at all. I find myself much more productive and therefore confident if I beat small challenges and take tiny wins throughout my day, month, and semester. At the end of the day, it is not a race. Take your time, one little step at a time. “One step at a time, one hope then another, who knows where this road may go?” – Lynn Ahrens, “Journey to the Past” from film Anastasia Tip #2: Failure does not mean that you’re incapable, rather it means you are growing. As someone who is a perfectionist, failure is not an option. I dread the feeling of it, I want things to go well. Yet, there have been multiple moments where I have failed–because I am human–and instead of giving up, I took that experience as a way to improve. I think as a student, you are in the best position to fail because this is the time for you to learn from your mistakes (not saying that as a professional you cannot fail and learn). Do not give up, especially if it’s for something you are passionate about! Tip #3: Be genuine I consider myself an ambivert. Funny enough if you ask around there will be mixed responses regarding my personality. Some say that I am the shyest and sweetest person; whereas some say that I will not stop yapping and that I am sociable to anyone and everyone. Honestly, both parts are the real me. I have found that I have the best time when I am my true self around others. The same can be said around my peers and my clients because that is where true connections and progress can be made. Being yourself is the best thing you can be! Tip #4: Make friends and connections I love how wonderful music therapy students are! I have felt so welcomed by everyone in this field. They’ve surrounded me with so much joy and positive feelings. I have met a lot of my closest friends through music therapy. I have learned from very wise professors and supervisors along the way. Overall, I would say taking the time to meet people makes this field so much more worth it, because after all we are all here to help others! Tip #5: Mental health matters This one I would emphasize a million times if I could. I’ve had multiple rough episodes of mental health crises. I would say connecting with my professors, friends, and support group (family members) was one of the best things to do. I also took time to seek therapy and found comfort in God and my spiritual beliefs. Whatever brings you comfort, take the time to take care of yourself. It is not selfish to pause and care for yourself. Afterall, working with clients requires your full, genuine, and healthy self. Tip #6: Find hobbies outside of music Many people actually shared this tip with me and as time progressed in college I found that it is very valuable. I take time outside of music. For example, I like to play with my pet bunny, I like to watch my favorite anime, I stress bake, I read a lot (keep up with a very long TBR), and occasionally I crochet. There is more to me than my musical identity. Plus, it is fun to spend time doing things that bring you joy. Tip #7: Enjoy the music I know my previous tip was about finding things about music but also enjoy the music! You are pursuing this degree because you know how powerful music can be in your life and others. Sometimes when I am in sessions and connecting through the music I realize that I am so fortunate to experience music the way I do. I think music is just a huge part of the human experience. Tip #8: Ask questions, explore! Lastly, do not be afraid to ask questions and explore! I find myself constantly inquisitive of brain processes, how to improve my musical skills, and about opportunities of growth. I realized that as a student I have all of the opportunities to explore and research. I have wonderful professors that will allow me to be curious because at the end of the day I am growing. This is all a part of learning and becoming the professional that we all want to be. If you made it this far, thank you for reading! Hope you have a wonderful semester. I believe in you, believe in yourself as well! If you have any questions or would like to share semester moments with me, do not hesitate to email me at [email protected]. With warmest wishes, Karina Colon Fuentes, AMTAS President-Elect |
